updated 12:10 am EDT, Thu March 18, 2010

Google countering FTC opposition

Google is turning to other companies to get them to back its AdMob buyoua, a late-night rumor claimed Wednesday. The search firm would counter FTC inquiries by having mobile ad companies write in support of the buyout, which it could use as leverage against criticism. They have reportedly been asked to say the acquisition wouldn't hurt their business or dampen the competitive market.

While TechCrunch had heard briefly that Google had actually considered backing out of the deal, the new moves signal a determination to complete the deal even with possible antitrust complaints. A deepening feud with Apple is believed to be the primary incentive as the company may want to keep Apple from buying AdMob itself and claiming the majority of the mobile ad space. The iPhone producer's buyout of Quattro Wireless is known to be a reaction to the AdMob deal.